Sicilian Pizza Vs New York Pizza: What’S The Difference?

Pizza lovers often debate which regional style reigns supreme. Two contenders for best pizza are the thick, rectangular Sicilian pie and the large, thin-crust New York slice. While both have ardent fans, Sicilian and New York pizza are very different. If you’re trying to decide which to try, read on to learn how these two pizza styles stack up.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The main differences are the crust and ingredients. Sicilian pizza has a thick, bready crust and is loaded with toppings. New York-style pizza has a thin, foldable crust and minimal toppings.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know to compare Sicilian vs. New York pizza. We’ll cover the crust, toppings, baking methods, origins, slicing, cost, nutrition, and where to get authentic versions of each. After reading, you’ll be an expert on these iconic regional pizza styles.

Origins and History

Sicilian pizza and New York pizza both have rich histories that date back several decades, each with its own unique origin story.

Sicilian Pizza

Sicilian pizza, also known as “sfincione,” originated in Palermo, Sicily. It is believed to have been introduced by the Arabs during their rule in the 9th century. The traditional Sicilian pizza has a thick, rectangular crust that is baked in a square or rectangular pan.

It is often topped with tomato sauce, onions, anchovies, and a generous amount of cheese. The dough used for Sicilian pizza is typically made with semolina flour, giving it a distinctive texture and flavor.

Over the years, Sicilian pizza has evolved, with different variations and toppings becoming popular. In the United States, Sicilian-style pizza gained popularity among Italian immigrants in New York City during the early 20th century.

Today, it is a beloved style of pizza that can be found in pizzerias across the country.

New York Pizza

New York pizza, on the other hand, has its roots in the Italian immigrants who settled in New York City in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These immigrants brought their traditional Neapolitan-style pizza recipes with them, which eventually evolved into what is now known as New York-style pizza.

New York-style pizza is characterized by its thin, crispy crust that is slightly chewy. It is typically hand-tossed and cooked in a hot oven, resulting in a crust that is both light and sturdy enough to hold the toppings.

The pizza is often topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and various toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives.

One of the defining characteristics of New York-style pizza is its large, foldable slices. It is often enjoyed as a quick, on-the-go meal, with many New Yorkers opting to fold their slices in half before taking a bite.

Today, New York-style pizza is renowned worldwide and has become an iconic symbol of the city. There are countless pizzerias in New York City that serve this style of pizza, each with its own unique twist.

Crust Differences

One of the key elements that sets Sicilian pizza apart from New York pizza is the crust. Sicilian pizza is known for its thick, fluffy, and doughy crust, while New York pizza typically has a thin and crispy crust.

The crust of Sicilian pizza is often made with a higher hydration level, resulting in a lighter and airier texture. On the other hand, New York pizza crust is usually made with a lower hydration level, giving it a chewier and more substantial bite.

Sicilian Pizza Crust

The crust of Sicilian pizza is often characterized by its rectangular shape and thick composition. It is made by using a dough that is mixed with olive oil, giving it a slightly crispy exterior and a tender interior.

The dough is then left to rise for a longer period of time, allowing it to develop more flavor and a lighter texture. The result is a crust that is soft, airy, and can support the weight of the toppings without becoming soggy.

A popular variation of the Sicilian pizza crust is the “Sfincione” style, which originates from Palermo, Sicily. This style of crust is even thicker and fluffier, almost resembling a focaccia bread. It is typically topped with a rich tomato sauce, onions, breadcrumbs, and a generous sprinkle of grated cheese.

New York Pizza Crust

New York pizza crust, on the other hand, is known for its thin and crispy texture. It is made using a high-gluten flour that is mixed with water, yeast, salt, and sometimes a touch of sugar and olive oil.

The dough is then allowed to rise briefly before being stretched, tossed, and shaped into a thin round crust. The crust is then baked in a hot oven, resulting in a crispy and slightly charred exterior.

The thinness of the New York pizza crust allows for a perfect balance between the toppings, sauce, and cheese. It creates a delicious contrast between the crunch of the crust and the gooeyness of the melted cheese. The crust is sturdy enough to hold the toppings but still has a satisfying chewiness.

If you’re a fan of thicker, doughier crusts, then Sicilian pizza might be your go-to choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a thin and crispy crust that allows the flavors of the toppings to shine, then New York pizza is the way to go.

Toppings

When it comes to the toppings, Sicilian pizza and New York pizza have some notable differences. Sicilian pizza, also known as Sicilian-style pizza or “sfincione,” is typically topped with a rich tomato sauce, a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese, and various toppings like onions, anchovies, olives, and sometimes even breadcrumbs.

The toppings are usually spread evenly across the entire pizza, creating a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite.

New York pizza, on the other hand, is known for its simplicity and focus on quality ingredients. It is usually topped with a flavorful tomato sauce, a moderate amount of fresh mozzarella cheese, and toppings like pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and peppers.

The toppings on a New York pizza are often placed on top of the cheese, allowing them to caramelize and develop a delicious flavor while the pizza bakes in a hot oven.

Sicilian Pizza Toppings:

• Tomato sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Onions
• Anchovies
• Olives
• Breadcrumbs (optional)

New York Pizza Toppings:

• Tomato sauce
• Fresh mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni
• Sausage
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Peppers

It’s important to note that while these are the traditional toppings for each style of pizza, both Sicilian and New York pizzas offer a wide range of customization options. Some pizzerias may add additional toppings or variations to cater to different tastes.

Ultimately, the choice of toppings comes down to personal preference and the creativity of the pizzaiolo (pizza maker).

Baking Style

Sicilian pizza and New York pizza have distinct baking styles that contribute to their unique characteristics. Sicilian pizza is known for its thick and fluffy crust, which is typically baked in a rectangular pan.

The dough is often left to rise for an extended period, resulting in a light and airy texture. This style of pizza is often topped with a rich tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings.

New York pizza, on the other hand, is known for its thin and crispy crust. The dough is typically hand-tossed and stretched, creating a thin base that is baked in a high-temperature oven. This results in a crust that is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

New York pizza is often topped with a simple tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and traditional toppings such as pepperoni or mushrooms.

Sicilian Pizza Baking Process

The baking process for Sicilian pizza involves several steps to achieve its signature thick crust. The dough is typically made with high-gluten flour, water, yeast, and olive oil. After the dough is mixed and kneaded, it is left to rise for several hours or overnight.

This allows the yeast to ferment and develop a light and airy texture. The risen dough is then pressed into a rectangular pan, topped with sauce, cheese, and toppings, and baked in a hot oven until the crust is golden brown.

New York Pizza Baking Process

New York pizza follows a simpler baking process compared to Sicilian pizza. The dough is made with high-gluten flour, water, yeast, and a small amount of olive oil. It is mixed, kneaded, and left to rise for a shorter period of time compared to Sicilian pizza.

Once the dough has risen, it is hand-tossed and stretched into a thin circle. It is then topped with sauce, cheese, and toppings and baked in a high-temperature oven, typically on a stone or steel surface, for a short period of time.

The quick baking process gives the crust its characteristic thin and crispy texture.

For more detailed information on the baking styles of Sicilian pizza and New York pizza, you can visit Pizza Today or Pizza Making.

Cost and Availability

When it comes to the cost and availability of Sicilian pizza and New York pizza, there are some noticeable differences. In terms of cost, Sicilian pizza tends to be more affordable compared to its New York counterpart.

This is mainly because Sicilian pizza is typically sold in square slices or as a whole pie, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to feed a large group of people. On the other hand, New York pizza is often sold by the slice, and the cost per slice can vary depending on the toppings chosen.

In terms of availability, New York pizza is more widely known and can be found in pizzerias across the United States. Its popularity has even spread internationally, with New York-style pizzerias popping up in various countries around the world.

Sicilian pizza, on the other hand, is more commonly found in Italian-American communities and pizzerias that specialize in Sicilian cuisine. However, with the rise of food delivery services and online ordering, it is becoming easier to find both types of pizza no matter where you are located.

Comparison:

For more information on Sicilian pizza, you can visit Taste of Home. If you want to learn more about New York pizza, check out Serious Eats.

Conclusion

While New York and Sicilian pizza offer tasty variations on a classic dish, their different crusts, toppings, and textures give each style its passionate fans. Now that you know the key distinctions, you can decide whether you prefer a thin, floppy New York slice or a thick wedge of cheesy Sicilian pizza. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong with these iconic regional pizzas.